By norman rolle, Weekender Editor

norman@nasguard.com

The glory days of the 1950s and 60s when Americans Von Tripp and Arthur Vining-Davis owned Cotton Bay Resort in South Eleuthera are here again, but with a Bahamian twist. A Bahamian group headed by businessman Franklyn Wilson in 1986 acquired South Eleuthera Properties. Up to a year ago there was little economic activity in South Eleuthera but now it is experiencing an economic resurgence, thanks to the building programme now in progress at Cotton Bay.

What is happening there is the construction of a 73-room Boutique Hotel, based on the villa concept, to be a part of the world-renowned Starwood Luxury Collection. Life at Cotton Bay will revolve around the grand Clubhouse, which will provide all of services to the community. The Club's special features include a restaurant, lounge, game room, retail space, conference room, business centre, concierge services, tennis courts, and water features, including an infinity edge swimming pool.

"We're very excited about doing this in the Family Island and raising the economic standard of living for the people of Eleuthera ... putting Eleuthera back on the map the way it was in 1950s and 60s," said Wim Steenbakkers, Eleuthera Properties managing director and project manager.

The project is not only providing construction jobs, but is creating entrepreneurs at the same time. Two block-making plants have opened up over the past year or so, and are selling to Cotton Bay all of the blocks they can manufacture. Also, a quick-mix concrete company has recently expanded fourfold, Mr Steenbakkers told us.

"One of the things that Albert Sands, a principal of South Eleuthera Properties who passed away last year, was adamant about is that the benefit from this development filter down into the community.... for the community to grow with the project.

"We're putting in a reverse osmosis (RO) plant and are negotiating with the Water & Sewerage Corporation to have a line extended to Rock Sound and Tarpon Bay, which presently do not have RO water." Because of the jobs that the project generates, Bahamians are building houses and apartments. Everything is expanding.

Also, a good number of the 35 non-construction employees have recently returned home and this number is expected to increase significantly when the hotel opens in May of 2007. Edward Penn is the general contractor.

One of the distinguishing features of the Cotton Bay will be a small farm. "Across the street from Cotton Bay we have reserved 10 acres for farming ...to grow our own fruits and vegetables fresh off the land," said Mr Steenbakkers.

"When you do a project like this you're looking for angles to set it apart from everybody else. We are currently talking to young Bahamian chefs... we've identified three of them who will implement a brand new idea in Bahamian cuisine at Cotton Bay. With the creativity of these chefs we can create a world-class dining experience."

Cotton Bay adheres to strict environmental and landscape standards.

"We're blending this project into the environment, rather than bulldozing it down and re-landscaping and creating a new scene. We're the only developers in the country who adhere to the Audubon International Standards. The project will also benefit from the expertise of Bahamians such as surveyor, horticulturists, architect, road builders, civil and structural engineers, real estate brokers and environmental impact assessors.

Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera Alvin Smith, who toured the project recently, offered: "I think it's a very attractive project. The developers will do very well."